Nancy Cutler: Keep eyes on Ramapo ward vote count

Journal News Editorial–July 26, 2015 “On July 29, the ballots will be tallied by town officials — who have most at stake in preserving the status quo. The count will be done publicly, in a room in Town Hall. But many remain concerned that impartial and pro-ward participants won’t have enough access to ensure all — and only — relevant ballots are tallied. . . Ramapo Town Clerk Christian Sampson described a prescribed process for validating the approximately 550 absentee and 2,500 affidavit ballots. Town of Ramapo employees will perform those tasks. “Of course the media will be invited,” he said, along with the petitioners, “and there may be room for others to come in and observe the process … but they can’t interject in the process.” Why not have a neutral party do this?
“Because we can do it ourselves,” Sampson told me. The town has capable staff, he said. “It’s very straightforward.” [After numerous court battles two years ago],When the vote finally took place, it was a mess. Amid heavy turnout, there much confusion over who could vote, with some poll workers unaware that a town resident didn’t need to be a registered voter to cast a ballot. The town’s controversial decision not to allow poll watchers added a gloss of conspiracy to the polling chaos.” Read the complete text of Cutler’s editorial here.”